The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association and the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce are speaking out against new US duties on our softwood lumber industry.
The US Trade Department will increase anti-dumping duties on softwood to over 20 percent.
NOMA says this represents a dramatic escalation in trade barriers for a vital sector to Northwestern Ontario’s economy and future.
It says the total accumulated cost of the duties exceeds $10 billion.
The municipal association says the new duties will affect workers, businesses, First Nation communities and thousands of people who make their livelihood from the forest industry.
Charla Robinson, President of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, adds, “These rising duties threaten the stability of businesses and the livelihoods of thousands of people in Thunder Bay and across Northwestern Ontario. Our region relies on a strong, sustainable forestry sector. We urge all levels of government to work together to defend our interests and restore fair access to the U.S. market.”
NOMA is calling on the federal government to make the softwood lumber dispute an urgent nation priority.
The municipal organization also says Canada should accelerate legal challenges to overturn the duties.
